United States Department of Agriculture • Forest Service

Technology & Development Program

2400 Timber • November 1999 • 9924-2820-MTDC

Small-Area Forestry Equipment

Contents
Introduction _______________________________ 2
Small-Area Forestry ________________________ 3
Bob Beckley, Project Assistant Biomass Utilization _________________________ 4
The Ideal Prime Mover ______________________ 5
Keith Windell, Project Leader Equipment Identified _______________________ 5
Equipment for Closely Spaced Trees
(12 to 15 feet) ___________________________ 5
USDA Forest Service Equipment for Widely Spaced Trees (15 Feet
Technology and Development Program or More), Including Small Clearcuts __________ 6
Missoula, MT Equipment for Steep Slopes _________________ 6
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) __________________ 7
5E52E60–Small-Area Forestry Equipment Safety ____________________________________ 8
Task-Based Equipment Recommendations _____ 9
November 1999 Conclusions ______________________________ 11
Appendix A—Useful Forestry Equipment
Publications ____________________________ 12
Appendix B—Small Mechanized Equipment ___ 13
Appendix C—Attachments and Implements ___ 25
Appendix D—Setting Priorities for
Tasks Identified by the Small-Area-Forestry
Equipment Survey _______________________ 36
About the Authors _________________________ 39

The Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has developed this information for the guidance of its employees, its contractors, and its cooperating Federal and State agencies,
and is not responsible for the interpretation or use of this information by anyone except its own employees. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this document is for the information and
convenience of the reader, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. The USDA prohibits discrimination
in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, and so forth) should phone USDA’s TARGET
Center at 202–720–2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Ave. SW.,
Washington, D.C. 20250–9410, or call 202–720–5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 1
Introduction
T
he changing nature of resource for today’s resource managers. Com- scale forest operations. The USDA
management has led to a dramatic peting interests and limited resources Forest Service’s Washington Office
decrease in large-scale, high- have resulted in a broader interest in Timber Staff asked the Missoula Tech-
volume commercial timber operations “small-area” forest operations. The nology and Development Center to
on National Forest lands. With few equipment used in large-scale forest identify or develop equipment that
exceptions, forest practices of prior operations many times cannot operate could be used in smaller forested
decades are no longer viable options economically and efficiently in small- acreages.

2
Small-Area Forestry
M
TDC was asked to determine harvesting systems are readily available the market every year. Previous models
the equipment that works best on the commercial market, these tasks that are no longer in production can
on small-area forestry operations. were not addressed in this project. frequently be found on the secondary
To find out exactly what small-area Priorities were set for the remaining market and may provide excellent value
forestry operations entailed, we inter- tasks (Appendix D). The highest-priority and service. The equipment presented
viewed silviculturists from several Forest tasks were biomass reduction and in this report is intended to serve as a
Service Regions to determine the types precommercial thinning. This report starting point for resource managers.
of operations conducted in small areas focuses on mechanized equipment to You are encouraged to conduct your
and identify possible special-equipment perform these tasks. The equipment own research once you have identified
needs. For the purpose of this project, identified for use in these operations your operational needs. Equipment may
small area will encompass a land area will be on the smaller side of the equip- be available through local distributors
of 10 acres or less. These units may or ment that is commercially available. or dealers. Information on new and
may not be adjacent to roads. Harvest existing equipment can be found on
can be either a small clearcut or indi- Several types of equipment, attach- the Internet, in the Thomas Register,
vidual/selective cut (uneven-age man- ments, and implements are listed in or in trade magazines (Appendix A—
agement). The trees may be either this report. Desirable traits in the equip- Useful Forestry Equipment Publications)
hardwood or softwood timber types. ment sought by MTDC include high that focus on forest operations.
Besides timber harvest, other small- maneuverability, ability to work in tight
area forestry operations include: spaces, ready availability, reliability, and This report lists some equipment capa-
the ability to work lightly on the land. ble of removing trees up to 8 inches or
• Brush/slash disposal more in diameter, but a more complete
• Site preparation The equipment identified in this report source of general harvesting equipment
• Planting represents only a small percentage of is the San Dimas Technology and Devel-
• Thinning the equipment available on today’s opment Center’s report, Smallwood
• Biomass extraction/utilization. market. Common items, such as chain Equipment Catalog (9224-1501-SDTDC).
saws, are mentioned but not included Another San Dimas report, Field Equip-
MTDC distributed a questionnaire in Appendix B—Small Mechanized ment for Precommercial Thinning and
Servicewide to determine tasks that Equipment, and Appendix C—Attach- Slash Treatment—Update (9124-1201-
could benefit the most from equipment- ments and Implements. Inclusion in the SDTDC) lists larger slash-reduction
development efforts. Commercial thin- report does not constitute an endorse- equipment for use in larger units.
ning and final harvest are usually done ment. The growth of small-area forestry Several Canadian publications listed
by private contractors. Since numerous operations brings new equipment to in Appendix A should be helpful.

3
Biomass Utilization
B
iomass utilization provides an The need for many of these materials with timber harvesting so that equip-
option to maintain the economic can be seasonal. If a market exists, the ment already onsite can be used, and
viability of a small-area forestry product can be skidded or yarded to a the cost of transporting equipment is
operation such as thinning trees for road or landing for loading and removal. reduced.
timber stand improvement or to reduce
fire hazard. Whenever possible, com- When biomass is utilized, larger saw If there is no commercial market,
mercial utilization of excess biomass logs may have to be added to the con- alternative methods to deal with the
material should be considered. Possible tract to offset the cost of the biomass- accumulation of biomass on the site
biomass markets include: reduction treatment. While new road should be considered. If the material
• Small saw logs • Hog fuel construction may be too costly for these presents a fire hazard, it can be piled
• House logs • Christmas trees projects, some existing road recon- onsite, piled and burned, prescribed
• Posts and poles • Bows for wreaths struction may be necessary. It is best burned, killed with herbicides, crushed,
• Pulp • Firewood. to schedule biomass reduction activities masticated, or chipped.

4
The Ideal Prime Mover
T
he basic criteria for the ideal prime largest piece of mechanized equipment Smaller equipment for skidding wood
mover for small-area forestry oper- suitable for the tree spacing if it will products on tractor ground includes
ations were developed from inter- perform the work without causing unac- small dozers, skid steers, the Sweco
views and a Servicewide survey that ceptable site damage, such as damage 480 (with logging arch), the TF-42C
was conducted by MTDC. The ideal to leave trees, excessive soil compac- mini-skidder, and the ASV Posi-Track
prime mover would meet or exceed tion, or any other undesirable ground (with the ImpleMax tractor grapple).
these following specifications: disturbance. The equipment should Although excavators can be used for
minimize the need for laborers and not skidding, they are slow (about 3 miles
❐ Minimal ground disturbance (rutting, fatigue the operator. Specifications for per hour). By comparison, the ASV
compaction, and so forth). the specialty equipment are located Posi-Track can skid at about 7 miles
❐ Minimal damage to leave trees. in Appendix B and C. per hour. The other machines typically
❐ Work in tree spacing of 12 to 15 feet. can skid between 3 and 7 miles per
❐ Work in different canopy levels. Since the majority of persons respond- hour. A skid-steer machine with attach-
❐ Ideal equipment height would not ing to the questionnaire were interested ments can work in tight spaces, but is
exceed 10 to 12 feet. in methods and equipment for use in limited to a 20-percent slope straight
❐ Ideal turning radius would be 12 feet areas with closely spaced trees, many up and down. Manufacturers do not
or less. common larger forestry machines are recommend using them on sideslopes.
❐ Machine width of 8 to 12 feet (8 feet not covered by this report. For informa- Skid-steer machines can skid trees
for easy transport). tion on larger forestry equipment, refer safely only on relatively flat ground.
❐ Reach of 25 feet if arm is involved. to the information sources listed in
❐ Ability to pick up 18-inch-diameter Appendix A or contact the equipment The ASV Posi-Track is similar to a skid-
logs 16 feet or longer. manufacturers or distributors. steer machine, but has rubber tracks
❐ Ability to work on slopes from 0 to and can work on slopes of 33 to 40
65 percent. percent. The ASV Posi-Track is a heavy-
❐ Teflon or rubber grousers to prevent duty platform that can be used in
sparks. smaller forested areas. It can use any
Equipment for Closely attachments (such as tree shears or
None of the commercial machines we grapples) developed for the skid-steer
found met all of these criteria. Some
Spaced Trees (12 to machines. Although the Posi-Track must
of those that we reviewed met most of 15 Feet) drive over all treated areas (unlike
the criteria. excavators), its ground pressure is only
Equipment used for precommercial 3 psi (for the HD 4520 with bucket).
thinning or brushing includes brush- Even though the ASV Posi-Track is not
cutting saws, chain saws, or small as versatile as an excavator, it is not
machine brushing heads. Specialty as expensive and can be transported
Equipment Identified prime movers (Appendix B) identified more easily. The Posi-Track’s operator
include: tracked skid steers, ASV Posi- compartment can be easily guarded
Several smaller pieces of equipment Track, the Trackmaster 85, Sweco 480, against flying debris (with wire screens
that were reviewed could be used or Gyro-Trac, and mid-sized excavators. or Lexan shielding). The Trackmaster
modified for mechanized operations Appendix B lists many useful attach- 85 is a similar machine that has an
in smaller forested areas. When using ments for these prime movers. The 88.5-hp diesel engine compared to the
smaller equipment, production rates manufacturer of the Slashbuster (D & M 115-hp diesel engine of the ASV Model
may be lower than would be possible Machine) says that a 150-series exca- 4520 Posi-Track.
with larger equipment (depending on vator with their LW422 or 420B head
the terrain and tree spacing). The can work in a 10- by 10-foot tree Small machines used for skidding that
number of personnel required and the spacing on slopes of up to 35 percent. the operator does not ride include the
time needed to complete the job may Excavators smaller than a 120 series Iron Horse, Wood Dog, and Modulaire.
increase. Although larger equipment are really too small to operate Slash- These machines travel between 2 and
would be expected to increase produc- buster’s smallest slashing head (Mini- 8 miles per hour. The Iron Horse is a
tivity, the spacing of trees and the need 360). Drum shredders are available Swedish machine currently marketed
to minimize damage to “leave trees” (such as the Royer Woodsman by in the Eastern United States. The Wood
restricts the size of equipment that can ROWMEC) that can mount on smaller Dog was developed as a research
be used. It is advantageous to use the articulated tractors. project at the University of Idaho. Its

5
 The Ideal Prime Mover

appearance resembles the Iron Horse, Although the Hitachi EX-150 excavator higher productivity. The larger machines
but the Wood Dog is remote-controlled. works, the Forest recommends a 125- must be transported by lowboy trailer.
It is on the verge of being produced to 150-hp excavator. Slashbuster says Because of the cost of transportation,
commercially. The Modulaire MD15, its smallest head (Mini-360) can be the larger machines probably would
another remotely controlled, rubber- mounted on a Kubota KH-191 (59-hp) not be economical unless they were
tracked unit, could be modified for excavator. This combination can only already on the site. One advantage of
forestry applications on steeper slopes. thin trees up to 4 to 5 inches in diameter excavators is that operators can use
The Wood Dog and Modulaire would be and cannot dig in the dirt. The Eldorado them for other activities such as general
safer on steeper slopes than the Iron Forest has street tracks on its excavator construction when the machines are
Horse because they are remotely con- so it can be moved from unit to unit not being used for forestry work.
trolled. The operator would not have to without being loaded on a trailer. They
be near a machine that might roll. The put long bolts in the grousers when Some smaller, rubber-tired skidders like
Wood Dog or Modulaire could also more traction is needed for steeper the Turboforest TF-42C, and winches
have a remotely activated safety line ground, and have used it on slopes of mounted on farm tractors (such as the
developed and attached to them for up to 40 percent. Turboforest MT-60 winch), have been
use on steep slopes. Remote control developed for increased skidding
would increase operator safety and The Hitachi EX-150 weighs 32,000 lb, efficiency in the smaller forested areas.
reduce fatigue. so it is light enough to be put on a trailer
and pulled by a dump truck, reducing Other interesting machines reviewed in
If chipping onsite is the desired treat- the Forest’s transportation costs. the course of this project were the self-
ment, a small chipper can be mounted According to fleet managers in the propelled whole-tree chippers. Morbark
on a trailer and pulled by a small prime Forest Service’s Northern Region (R1), makes the Mountain Goat that can chip
mover (such as the Sweco 480 or ASV the largest tilt-bed trailers can haul a trees up to 18 to 24 inches in diameter
Posi-Track). Of course, if a market exists machine no more than 81⁄2-feet wide at the stump, and Bandit Industries’
for pulp or hog fuel, a chipper, tub and weighing no more than 40,000 lb. Track Bandit will chip trees around 19
grinder, or recycling machine can be The overall height of the loaded trailer inches, but these units are very large.
positioned at a central landing. must not exceed 131⁄2 feet or it may be For this reason they are not practical
too high for highway overpasses. for the small acreages and tight spaces
Equipment that exceeds these limits envisioned in this project.
must be carried on a lowboy trailer and
may require special permits that will
Equipment for Widely increase transportation costs.
Spaced Trees (15 Feet
or More), Including
Excavators with a forest rake or grapple Equipment for Steep
attachment can be used for brush piling.
Small Clearcuts A bucket on the excavator can be used
Slopes
to construct fire-control line for pre-
scribed burning. If the Slashbuster head Small cable yarders like the Bitterroot
All of the equipment identified in the Mini Yarder or Koller K300-series yarder
previous section will also work in small causes too much damage, small feller-
buncher and processor heads are can be used for small-area forestry
clearcuts. An excavator that is able to projects on steep ground. If the cable-
accommodate a number of attachments available.
yarding machines with towers are used,
and has been used in small clearcuts yarding corridors will be needed.
and select cuts is the Hitachi EX-150 Drawbacks to using an excavator in
small-area forestry projects include Prebunching can increase efficiency.
91-hp excavator. The Eldorado National Excavators can be used for prebunch-
Forest uses it with the 420B Slashbuster the machine’s high initial cost and the
difficulty of using it in tightly spaced ing on milder slopes and may even be
head for brush disposal, and they have modified with cable drums to be used
also used it to slash manzanita 20-feet trees, because of the machine’s tail
swing. Larger machines like the 200/ as small yarders. Excavators can also
tall and 8 to 14 inches in diameter. The be rigged for “tong” throwing in small
Hitachi EX-150 has since been replaced 220 series are needed to power some
of the larger attachments that allow clearcut areas. Jewel Manufacturing
by the EX-160-V, but the EX-150 is still
available on the secondary market.

6
 The Ideal Prime Mover

in Oregon (Ph: (503) 230-0456) is one are being used in small-area forestry For information on the Lipke Arch
company that specializes in modifying for such activities as cargo transporting, (uses electric winch)—
excavators for cable yarding and tong transportation, and skidding. USDA FS, Scott River Ranger District
throwing. These tasks usually require Attn: Jim Lipke
at least a 200-series excavator. Mono- Several companies are manufacturing 11263 North Highway 3
cable yarders do not require long, or selling small log-skidding arches for Fort Jones, CA 96032
straight yarding corridors, but may not use with ATV’s. For information on this Ph: (530) 468-1242
be suitable for the steepest slopes. type of equipment, contact the manu- Fax: (530) 468-1290
facturer directly. Manufacturers and
Although machines like the Timbco with addresses include: We have not found any OSHA-approved
a self-leveling cab and the Keyser ATV structures to protect the operator
Spyder can work on steeper slopes, Manual winch— from rollovers and falling objects. For
they are expensive to purchase and Future Forestry Products, Inc. logging activities such as skidding, the
operate, can cause stand damage P.O. Box 1083 lack of these structures could be viewed
due to slippage on steep slopes, and Willamina, OR 97396 as a violation of State and/or Federal
must be carried on a lowboy, increasing OSHA regulations (when an employer-
transportation costs. Self-loading sled, mini-skidder, and employee relationship exists).
skidding cones—
Nova Sylva The Swedish University of Agricultural
1587 Denault Street Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, has pub-
Sherbrooke, QC Canada J1H2R1 lished a report on the use of ATV’s in
Ph: (819) 821-4617 forestry, ATVs in Forestry: Risk of
All-Terrain Vehicles Fax: (819) 821-4671 Accidents, Ergonomic Problems, and
(ATV’s) Possible Solutions (Research Notes
Skidmate— No. 283, SRN SLU-ST-UPPRLT–283–
The widespread use of ATV’s for rec- Forestry Suppliers, Inc. SE, ISSN 0282-2377). Appendix A
reation and forest operations appears P.O. Box 8397 lists several articles that discuss
to make them candidates for small-area
forestry operations. Their low cost and
Jackson, MS 39284-8397
Ph: 800-647-5368; Fax: 800-543-4203
skidding operations with ATV’s.


their ability to be light on the land meet Web site: http://www.forestry_suppliers
some of the criteria in this report. They .com

7
Safety
O
perators should be properly shall have a valid State driver’s license tices for employees who work near
trained to operate the equipment with the applicable endorsements for mechanized equipment. Work should
they will be using. All employees the machinery they will be operating. comply with all State and Federal
engaged in these activities shall be Supervisors and employees jointly have OSHA regulations. All work should be
trained in safe working procedures and the responsibility to complete and review conducted within the manufacturer’s
hazard recognition. Only qualified oper- a job hazard analysis (JHA) for their operating guidelines. This includes
ators shall be permitted to operate projects and equipment. The JHA shall maximum load and weight-distribution
equipment. Where required, operators specifically address safe working prac-

specifications.

8
Task-Based Equipment Recommendations
T
he table below lists various tasks tree diameters, tree spacing, and other address your needs. Appendixes B
and the small equipment available variables are important to consider and C have specifications and sources
to perform them. Steep slopes, when selecting the best equipment to for the equipment listed below.

Small-Area-Forestry Tasks and Equipment to Use When:

The site is on tractor ground (flat to 35-percent slope), and the harvesting that is accomplished
using ground-based equipment has been completed. When the site is a small clearcut, a
larger excavator (like the 200 series) with multiple attachments should be considered.
TASK EQUIPMENT TO USE
Move Wood Products to Landing ______ Skid with Posi-Track (ASV) with grapple
Skid with small cat
Skid with Sweco 480 (with log arch)
Skid with Bobcat (limited to relatively flat ground)
Turboforest TF-42C miniskidder
Trackmaster 85
Skid with Iron Horse or Wood Dog
Mono-cable yarder
Skid with Modulaire and grapple; remote control (concept)

Brush Disposal _________________________ Small excavator with brushing head

Posi-Track (ASV) with brushing head
Delta DT200
Bobcat with brushing attachment (flat ground)
Small articulated tractor with drum shredder
Gyro-Trac
ROWMEC
Sweco 480 with brushing head (concept)
Modulaire with slashing head (concept)
Brush saws and piling
Chain saws and piling
Herbicides and burning

Precommercial Thinning _______________ Small excavator with tree shear, feller-buncher, or processor
Posi-Track (ASV) with tree shear, feller-buncher, or processor
Bobcat (tracked) with tree shear, feller-buncher, or processor (relatively flat ground)
Small articulated tractor with drum shredder
Sweco 480 with tree shear (concept)
Modulaire with or tree shear (concept)
Brush saws
Chain saws

Slash Piling ____________________________ Small excavator with clam bucket, rake, or grapple (over 35-percent slope)
Posi-Track (ASV) or Trackmaster 85 with stacking forks
Bobcat (tracked) with stacking forks (relatively flat ground)
Modulaire with arm and grapple (concept)
Small cat with brush rake

Chipping in Unit ________________________ Towed portable chipper

Sweco 480 with chipper

Chipping on Landing ___________________ Commercial chipper

Site Preparation _______________________ Hawk Power Scalper

FERIC excavator scarification rake

9
 Task-Based Equipment Recommedations

Small-Area-Forestry Tasks and Equipment to Use When:

There are small partial cuts, the ground is steeper than 50 percent, and harvest has been completed.

TASK EQUIPMENT TO USE

Move Wood Products to Landing ______ Bitterroot Mini Yarder

Mono-cable yarder
Koller K300-series yarder
Excavator with double drum winch modification
Small jammer with tongs (clearcut)
Modulaire with grapple and safety line (concept)
Wood Dog with safety line (concept)

Brush Disposal _________________________ Brush saws

Chain saws
Herbicides and burn

Precommercial Thinning _______________ Brush saws

Chain saws
Hawk Power Scalper (concept)

Slash Piling ____________________________ In-unit winches for concentrating

Hand piling (leave or burn)
Cable up to landing and pile or burn there
Modulaire with arm and rake with safety line (concept)

Chipping ________________________________ Cable yard up to landing and chip (or burn) there

Site Preparation _______________________ Hawk Power Scalper

Prescribed fire is a popular alternative to mechanically treating slash and brush on steep slopes.

10
Conclusions
❏ None of the commercial machines biomass from small openings in forested ❏ The use of excavators is common.
identified in this report met all of the areas. Such machines are currently This versatile machine is a valuable
criteria listed for the ideal prime mover. being used by contractors across the platform for developing accessories
United States and in other countries. that can be used in small forested
❏ Numerous machines on the market
are capable of removing trees or the
New equipment is continually being
developed.
areas.

11
Appendix A—Useful Forestry Equipment Publications
Forest Service T&D Reports
Year Document Number Title

1978 ........ 7824-1203-SDTDC ........... Field Equipment for Precommerical Thinning and Slash Treatment
1984 ........ 8424-1203-SDTDC ........... Update Field Equipment for Precommercial Thinning and Slash Treatment
1991 ........ 9124-1201-SDTDC ........... Update Field Equipment for Precommercial Thinning and Slash Treatment
1992 ........ 9224-1501-SDTDC ........... Smallwood Equipment Catalog
1993 ........ 9324-2837-MTDC ............. Reforestation Equipment
1993 ........ 9324-2804-MTDC ............. Site Preparation Equipment for Steep Slopes
1996 ........ 9623-1207-SDTDC ........... Mechanized Trail Equipment
1996 ........ 9624-2842-MTDC ............. Hawk Scarifier
1997 ........ 9724-2826-MTDC ............. Reforestation and Nurseries
1998 ........ 9824-2336-MTDC ............. Hawk Power Scalper

Canadian Reports
Harvesting Systems and Equipment in Forwarding-21. Forest Engineering Compendium of Commercial Thinning
British Columbia. A.J. MacDonald. Hand- Research Institute of Canada (FERIC), Operations and Equipment in Western
book No. HB-12. Forest Engineering Quebec, Canada. June 1992. Canada, compiled by Janet L. Mitchell,
Research Institute of Canada (FERIC), R.P.F., and I.B. Hedin, R.P.F., M.F., Forest
B.C. Ministry of Forests, British Columbia, Handbook: Using An All-Terrain Vehicle Engineering Research Institute of Canada,
Canada. 1999. To Produce Long-Length Logs. Pierre Western Division, December 1995.
Cardorette. Office des Producteurs de Bois
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) For Forestry de la Region de Quebec (OPBRQ) and Small Scale Woodlot Equipment, a
Work. J. Dunnigan, L. Beauliel, and M.P. Forest Engineering Research Institute of compilation sponsored by the Maritime
Folkema. Woodlot Technology Technical Canada (FERIC), Quebec, Canada. 1995. Woodlot Extension Committee, Nova
Note TH-109. Forest Engineering Research Scotia Dept. of Natural Resources in
Institute of Canada (FERIC), Quebec, The “Yeti” and the “Ideal Traction”: ATV Halifax, N.S.; Dept. of Natural Resources
Canada. November 1987. Attachments for Winter Forwarding on and Energy, Fredericton, N.B.; and Dept.
Small Woodlots. Jean Dunningan. Field of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry,
Self-Loading Sled For Skidding Long Note No: Skidding Forwarding-5. Forest Charlottetown, P.E.I., 1996.
Lengths With an ATV (Prototype). Jean Engineering Research Institute of Canada
Dunnigan. Field Note No: Skidding/ (FERIC), Quebec, Canada. June 1988.

Trade Magazines
Timber Harvesting, January issue Canadian Forest Industries Timber West, June issue
(Products/services/supplies index) 1 Pacifique (Buyer’s guide and directory)
P.O. Box 2268 Ste-Anne-De Bellevue, Quebec H9X 1C5 P.O. Box 610
Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 Phone: (514) 457-2211 Edmonds, WA 98020-0610
Phone: (334) 834-1170 Fax: (541) 457-2558 Phone: (425) 778-3388
Fax: (334) 834-4225 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (425) 771-3623

Web Sites
Forest Engineering Research Institute Forest Industry Network Logging and Sawmilling Journal
of Canada http://www.forestind.com http://www.forestnet.com
http://www.feric.ca

12
Appendix B—Small Mechanized Equipment
I N D E X
(Prices subject to change)

Nonriding Utility Vehicle, Jonsered Iron Horse ______________________________ 14

Nonriding Utility Vehicle, Wood Dog (Radio Controlled) _______________________ 14
Nonriding Utility Vehicle, Modulaire (Radio Controlled) _______________________ 15
Utility Vehicle, Gyro-Trac Messek 10,000-lb Carrier ___________________________ 15
Skid-Steer-Type Vehicle, ASV Posi-Track __________________________________ 16
Skid-Steer-Type Vehicle, Trackmaster _____________________________________ 16
Skid-Steer-Type Vehicle, Melroe Bobcat ___________________________________ 17
Skid-Steer-Type Vehicle, Delta Multi-Task __________________________________ 17
Excavator, Bobcat _____________________________________________________ 18
Excavator, Hitachi _____________________________________________________ 18
Small Dozer, Sweco Trail Dozer __________________________________________ 19
Tracked Brush Cutter, Gyro-Trac _________________________________________ 19
Tracked Brush Cutter, ROWMEC R.O.W. King Mower ________________________ 20
Feller-Buncher, Hydro-Ax Tri-Wheel _______________________________________ 20
Feller-Buncher, Bell Tracked Slewboom ____________________________________ 21
Low-Impact Skidder, Turboforest _________________________________________ 21
Low-Impact Skidder, KMC Track _________________________________________ 22
Small Yarder, Bitterroot Mini Yarder ________________________________________ 22
Small Yarder, Clearwater ________________________________________________ 23
Small Yarder, Koller Cable _______________________________________________ 23
Small Yarder, Miller Mono-Cable __________________________________________ 24
Small Yarder, Howe-Line Mono-Cable ______________________________________ 24

13
 Appendix B—Small Mechanized Equipment

Nonriding Utility Vehicle

Jonesred Iron Horse
Models:
125 S, 125-PWW, and 129-PWW

Distributor:
Tilton Equipment Company
P.O. Box 68, Lafayette Road
Rye, NH 03870
Phone: 800-447-1152 or (603) 964-6560
Fax: 800-545-1163
E-mail: [email protected]

Purchase Price:
$6,895; $9,240; $10,459
(Prices may vary by region.)
Jonsered Iron Horse with winch and timber cart.

Status: In production Ground clearance: 10 inches, 8.5 inches pump. All models can be equipped with
Prime mover: Iron Horse is a prime mover. (with deck) external hydraulics as an option.
Engine power: 5.4 hp (125 S, 125-PWW) Weight: 727.5 lb (330 kg); 926 lb (420 kg) Dedicated attachments: Manual or
and 8.9 hp (129-PWW) Ground pressure: 2.5 psi (w/1,000-lb load) powered winch; Self-unloading timber cart
Gas or diesel: Gas, 4-cycle Track: Rubber (two) that can be fitted with skids for winter
Transmission: Variator via centrifugal Track width: 15 inches operation; Timber cart that can be fitted
clutch and V-belt Track options: Spike kit with skids for winter operation; Loader
Width: 42.5 inches (108 cm) Hydraulic pressure: (minimum) 1,980- to (designed for use with winch); Lattice cart;
Length: 110.25 in (280 cm) 3,230-psi auxiliary circuit Tipper platform; Combi platform.
Height: 42 inches, 50 inches, and 68 Flow: 3.4- to 5.5-gpm auxiliary circuit. Flow
inches (with fairlead) rate varies relative to engine and hydraulic

Nonriding Utility Vehicle

Wood Dog
(Radio Controlled)
Manufacturer:
Isothermal Systems Research (ISR)
511 3rd Street
Clarkston WA 99403
Phone: (509) 758-2613
Fax: (509) 758-1280
E-mail: [email protected]

Purchase Price: $25,000

Wood Dog.

Status: Ready for production Ground pressure: 1⁄2 psi empty; 3 psi with auxiliary circuit
Prime mover: Wood Dog is a prime mover. 4,000-lb load Flow: 4 gpm, auxiliary circuit
Engine power: 23 hp Turning Radius: Zero Radio control distance: 300 ft
Gas or diesel: Gas, 2-cycle Slope limitations: Empty: sidehill 45°, Drawbar pull: 4,000 lb
Transmission: Hydrostatic forward uphill 60°, forward downhill 50°, Dedicated attachments: Three designs
Width: 46 inches traction dependent. Loaded: load of fireline trenchers are under development:
Length: 6 ft dependent. Chain flail trencher, rotary disk plow trencher,
Height: 4 ft Track width: 15 inches combination chain flail/rotary disk trencher.
Ground clearance: 9 inches Track options: Bolt-on rock or ice cleats Contact manufacturer for information on
Weight: 1200 lb Hydraulic pressure: (minimum) 1,500 psi, other attachments.

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 Appendix B—Small Mechanized Equipment

Nonriding Utility Vehicle

Modulaire
Model: RT-20

Distributor:
II-Tracker, Inc.
P.O. Box 606
Portland, OR 97207
Phone: (503) 292-8682
Fax: (503) 292-8697

Purchase Price:
Contact dealer for latest price and
model updates. Modulaire remote-controlled vehicle.

Status: In production Height: 32 to 42 inches (800 to 1060 mm) Hydraulic pressure: (minimum) 3,000 psi,
Prime mover: Modulaire is a prime mover. Ground clearance: 5.5 to 16 inches (140 auxiliary circuit
Engine power: 60-hp Kubota 2800 S to 400 mm) Flow: 34 gpm, auxiliary circuit
Gas or diesel: Diesel Weight: 2,650 lb (1200 kg) Attachments and Implements: Contact
Transmission: Hydrostatic Track: Rubber (two) manufacturer for information on other
Width: 64 in (1620 mm) Track width: 12.5 inches (320 mm) attachments.
Length: 87 in (2200 mm) Forward speed: 8 mph (12 kmh)

Utility Vehicle
Gyro-Trac Messek
10,000-lb Carrier
U.S. Sales Office:
Gyro-Trac, Inc.
603 Fairington Drive
Summerville SC. 29485
Phone: 888-490-8722 or (843) 821-1588
Fax: (843) 821-1587
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.gyrotrac.com

Purchase Price: $89,000 (U.S.)

Gyro-Trac Messek 10,000-lb carrier.

Status: In production Height: 96 inches Track width: 28 inches

Prime mover: Messek Carrier is the prime Ground clearance: 28 inches Hydraulic pressure: Information not
mover. Weight: 10,690 lb supplied by the manufacturer.
Engine power: 122 hp Load capacity: 10,000 lb Flow: Information not supplied by the
Gas or diesel: Diesel Ground pressure: 1.3 psi manufacturer.
Transmission: Hydrostatic Turning Radius: Zero Attachments: Brush hog, skidder, boom
Width: 89 inches Speed: 0 to 7 mph cutter, backhoe, aerial lift, chemical
Length: 157 inches Tracks: Two rubber, with steel cross links sprayer, and dump body.

15
 Appendix B—Small Mechanized Equipment

Skid-Steer-Type Vehicle
ASV Posi-Track
Models: 4810; 2810; 2800 (MD-70 on
special order; contact manufacturer for
specs; no sealed undercarriage); HD-
4520 and 4500 discontinued.

Manufacturer:
ASV, Inc.
P.O. Box 5160, 840 Lily Lane
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 800-346-5954 or (218) 327-3065
Fax: (218) 327-2376
E-mail: [email protected]

Purchase Price:
$45,000 to $55,000
ASV Posi-Track MD 2800.
Status: In production and 2800: 7,150 lb optional on 2810 and 2800.
Prime mover: ASV is a prime mover. Ground pressure, 18-inch track: 4810: High-flow auxiliary hydraulic circuit:
Engine power: 4810: 115 hp (gross), 105 2.7 psi without loader; 3.0 psi with loader. 4810: 30 gpm at 3,200 psi; 2810/2800: 25
hp (net); 2810: 75 hp (gross); 2800: 70 hp 2810/2800: 2.3 psi without loader; 2.5 psi gpm at 2,750 psi
(gross) with loader. Low-flow auxiliary hydraulic circuit:
Gas or diesel: Diesel Ground pressure, 24-inch track: 2810/ 4810: 19 gpm at 2,950 psi; 2810/2800: 19
Transmission: Hydrostatic 2800: 1.7 psi without loader; 1.9 psi with gpm at 2,750 psi
Width: 69 inches loader. Top speed: 4810: 6 mph; 2810/2800: 7 mph
Length: 155 inches Turning radius: Zero Dedicated Attachments: ASV with Davco
Height: 82.5 inches Slope limitations: 33-percent grade sidehill brush cutter; Category I three-point hitch
Ground clearance: 16 inches Track: Rubber, Kevlar-reinforced
Weight with loader: 4810: 8,600 lb; 2810 Track width: 18 inches standard; 24 inches

Skid-Steer-Type Vehicle
Trackmaster
Model: Trackmaster 85

Manufacturer:
LMC Corporation
1080 North Main Street
Brigham City, UT 84302
Phone: (435) 734-3500
Fax: (435) 734-2332

Purchase Price: $42,900

Trackmaster 85.

Status: In production Ground Pressure: 1.9 psi with loader arms Flow: Hydraulic pump capacity 16 gpm;
Prime mover: Trackmaster is a prime and bucket PTO/HiFlow 30 gpm
mover. Weight: 7,000 lb Maximum travel speed: 7.2 mph
Engine power: 88.5 brake horsepower Ground pressure: Not available Slope limitation: 30°
Gas or diesel: Diesel Track: Two rubber on steel Attachments: PTO; Category I three-point
Transmission: Hydrostatic Track width: 18 inches each hitch. Contact manufacturer for information
Width: 5 ft 5 inches Hydraulic pressure: Maximum working on other attachments. Universal tool plate
Length: 13 ft 2 inches pressure 2,500 psi; PTO/HiFlow maximum will allow use of most skid steer
Height: 6 ft 7 inches working pressure 3,000 psi attachments.

16
 Appendix B—Small Mechanized Equipment

Skid-Steer-Type Vehicle
Melroe Bobcat
Models: Bobcat 763H, 863H
(Other models and sizes available)
Manufacturer:
Melroe Company
P.O. Box 6019
Fargo, ND 58108-6019
Phone: (701) 241-8705
Fax: (701) 241-8779
Web site: http://www.bobcat.com
Purchase Price: 763H with bucket:
$22,450; 863H with bucket: $28,400
Safety Note: Skid steers are best suited
for operation on flat ground.
Bobcat skid steer Model 863 with bucket.

Status: In production Weight: 763H: 5408 lb; 863H: 7180 lb Hydraulic pressure: 763H: 3,000 to 3,050
Prime mover: Both models are prime movers. Ground pressure: Varies psi auxiliary circuit; 863H: 3,000 psi auxiliary
Engine power: 763H: 46 hp; 863H: 73.5 hp Loader arm lift: (radius lift) 763H: 114.5 circuit
Gas or diesel: Diesel inches to hinge lift; 863H: 121.0 inches to Flow: 763H: 25-gpm, auxiliary circuit; 863H:
Transmission: Hydrostatic hinge lift 28-gpm, auxiliary circuit
Width: 763H: 60 or 66 inches; 863H: 66 or 72 Turning Radius: Zero Dedicated attachments: Rotary cutter
inches Tracks: Available as an option (Appendix C)
Length: 763H: 101.8 inches; 863H: 107.4 Track width: Varies Note: The Bobcat skid steer is listed as a
inches Track options: Rubber or steel representative example of other skid-steer
Height: 763H: 7.5 inches; 863H: 8.5 inches PSI with different tracks: Varies machines that are made by companies such
Ground clearance: Varies with tire and track Wheels: 763H: 10-16.5 or 31 x 15.5 Ultra Grip as Case, New Holland, GEHL, Mustang, and
options. tires; 863H: 12-16.5 or 31 x 15.5 Ultra Grip tires others.

Skid-Steer-Type Vehicle
Delta Multi-Task
Model: Delta DT-200 skid steer

Distributor:
FECON, Inc.
10350 Evendale Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45241
Phone: (513) 956-5700 or 800-528-3113
Fax: (513) 956-5701
Web site: http://www.fecon.com

Purchase Price: $130,000 to $150,000

Delta DT-200 skid steer.

Status: In production skid steer as a fixed unit. side bank
Cutting head mechanism: Rotating drum Engine power: 204 hp gross; 195 hp net Track width: 20 inches
Cutters: Carbide tipped, fixed tooth Gas or diesel: Diesel Wheels: 15 inches with rubber-track
Cutting width: 56 inches Transmission: Hydrostatic system
Maximum material size: Eight to 10 inches Width: 70 inches Hydraulic pressure: 5200 psi peak; 3800
is the practical cutting size; rated for 6-inch Length: 150 inches psi continuous to head primary circuit
diameter, continuous. Height: 90 inches Flow: 65-gpm mower pump; 30-gpm
Type drive: Hydraulic Ground clearance: 8 inches auxiliary circuit can be diverted or shared
Rotation speed: 1700- to 2000-rpm cutter Weight: 8,700 lb with loader arms.
head Ground pressure: 5.3 psi Potential uses: Clear undergrowth, brush,
Prime mover: Mower is mounted onto a Slope limitations: 45° up or down; 40° stumps, root balls, and shred whole trees.

17
 Appendix B—Small Mechanized Equipment

Excavator
Bobcat
Model: Bobcat makes several models of
excavators. The mini 300-series
excavators seem best suited for small-
area forestry applications.

Manufacturer:
Melroe Company
P.O. Box 6019
Fargo, ND 58108-6019
Phone: (701) 241-8705
Fax: (701) 241-8779
Web site: http://www.bobcat.com

Purchase Price: $25,000 to $58,000

Bobcat X337 excavator.

Status: In production Reach on boom: 149.5 to 242.3 inches psi, auxiliary circuit.
Prime mover: Bobcat Excavators are maximum digging reach at ground level Flow: Excavators: 7.9 to 20 gpm, auxiliary
prime movers. Height: 88.34 to 99.4 inches circuit.
Engine power: 15.7 to 46 hp Weight: 3,180 to 11,300 lb Attachments: Contact manufacturer for full
Gas or diesel: Diesel Ground pressure: 3.38 to 4.49 psi line of attachments.
Transmission: Hydrostatic Track: Rubber or steel Note: These machines are only a small
Width with bucket: 39 to 74.8 inches Track width: Varies sample of mini-excavators. Other manufac-
Length with bucket: 151.59 to 218.9 Track options: Rubber or steel turers have similar models.
inches; 97.2 to 153.6 inches Hydraulic pump capacity: 2,500 to 3,000

Excavator
Hitachi
Model: The Hitachi EX-160-V is shown
to represent smaller excavators.

Manufacturer:
Hitachi Construction Machinery Corp.
20411 Imperial Valley Drive
Houston, Texas 77073
Phone: (281) 821-2400
Fax: (281) 821-0981

Purchase Price: $151,700 (U.S.)

Hitachi EX-160-V excavator.

Status: In production Weight: 33,960 lb Track width: 28-inch shoes

Prime mover: EX-160-V is a prime mover. Ground pressure: 5.4 psi Track options: Shoes: 20, 24, 28, and 30
Engine power: 99 hp Boom length: 16 ft 9 in inches (psi varies with different tracks)
Gas or diesel: Diesel Boom arms: 16 ft 9 inches; 6 ft 7 inches; 8 Hydraulic pressure: Main relief: 4,977 psi
Transmission: Hydrostatic ft 6 inches; 10 ft 2 inches Flow: Main circuit operates two pumps,
Width: 8 ft 10 inches with 28-inch-wide Boom reach: 6 ft 7 inches to 26 ft 10 33.2 gal per pump.
tracks inches; 8 ft 6 inches to 28 ft 7 inches; 10 ft Attachments: Most excavator attachments
Length: 28 ft 2 inches to 30 ft 1 inch. will fit the Hitachi EX-160-V.
Height: 9 ft 2 inches to top of cab Turning Radius: 9 ft 7 inches
Ground clearance: 18 inches Tracks: Two

18